Countries That Moved Their Capitals With Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs):

The relocation of a nation’s capital city is a transformative decision that can have far-reaching political, economic, and cultural consequences. Throughout history, several countries have made the strategic choice to move their capitals for various reasons, ranging from administrative efficiency to geopolitical considerations. In this article, we will delve into the intriguing stories behind these capital relocations and test your knowledge with Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) to engage you in the exploration of these significant historical events.

As we journey through the chapters of nations changing their political epicenters, you will gain insight into the motivations that drove these transitions and the impact they had on the countries involved. From Nigeria’s shift from Lagos to Abuja in 1991 to Russia’s historic move from St. Petersburg to Moscow in 1918 under Lenin’s leadership, each relocation reveals a unique narrative.

So, prepare to embark on a captivating journey through history as we explore the countries that moved their capitals, and put your knowledge to the test with our MCQs that follow each fascinating story.

In which year did Nigeria move its capital from Lagos to Abuja?
A. 1975
B. 1980
C. 1991
D. 2000

What was the former capital of Myanmar before it moved to Naypyidaw?
A. Mandalay
B. Bagan
C. Rangoon (Yangon)
D. Naypyidaw

Who ordered the move of the Russian capital from St. Petersburg to Moscow in 1918?
A. Vladimir Putin
B. Joseph Stalin
C. Lenin
D. Nicholas II

When did Pakistan officially relocate its capital from Karachi to Islamabad?
A. 1947
B. 1955
C. 1967
D. 1971

What year did Brazil shift its capital from Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia?
A. 1940
B. 1956
C. 1960
D. 1972

Kazakhstan moved its capital from Almaty to Astana in 1997. What is the current name of Astana?
A. Nur-Sultan
B. Almaty
C. Akmolinsk
D. Tashkent

In which year did Tanzania relocate its capital from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma?
A. 1980
B. 1990
C. 1996
D. 2005

Ivory Coast moved its capital from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro in 1983. What is the significance of Yamoussoukro?
A. It is the largest city in Ivory Coast.
B. It is the political capital but not the largest city.
C. It is the economic capital of Ivory Coast.
D. It is the cultural capital of Ivory Coast.

Answers of Countries that moved their capitals:

1. Nigeria: Lagos to Abuja in 1991
2. Myanmar: Rangoon( Yangon ) to Naypyidaw in 2005
3. Russia: St Petersburg to Moscow in 1918 by Lenin
4. Pakistan: Karachi to Islamabad in 1967(officially)
5. Brazil: Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia in 1960
6. Kazakhstan: Almaty to Astana in 1997
7. Tanzania: Dar e salam to Dodoma in 1996
8. Ivory Coast : Abidjan to Yomoussoukro in 1983

Explanation of Countries That Moved Their Capitals

When it comes to geopolitics and governance, countries sometimes make the strategic decision to relocate their capital cities. Such moves can have profound effects on a nation’s identity, development, and infrastructure. Here, we explore several countries that have moved their capitals, examining the reasons behind these transitions and the impact they’ve had.

Nigeria: Lagos to Abuja (1991)

In 1991, Nigeria made a significant shift by moving its capital from Lagos to Abuja. This move was driven by several factors, including concerns about overpopulation and the need for a more centrally located capital. Abuja, with its purpose-built infrastructure and strategic location, was chosen as the new capital. It has since become the political and administrative heart of Nigeria.

Myanmar: Rangoon (Yangon) to Naypyidaw (2005)

Myanmar’s decision to move its capital from Rangoon (Yangon) to Naypyidaw in 2005 was shrouded in secrecy and raised eyebrows internationally. The new capital was purpose-built in a remote area, and the reasons for the shift remain somewhat mysterious. However, it is believed that the move aimed to promote centralized governance and enhance military control.

Russia: St. Petersburg to Moscow (1918)

After the Russian Revolution of 1917, Vladimir Lenin ordered the capital to be moved from St. Petersburg to Moscow. This move was symbolic and intended to signify a break from the imperial past. Moscow has since remained the political, economic, and cultural center of Russia.

Pakistan: Karachi to Islamabad (1967, officially)

Although Karachi served as Pakistan’s initial capital, the government decided to shift the capital to Islamabad in 1967. Islamabad’s location in the north was chosen for its strategic significance and proximity to the country’s border with India. Today, Islamabad is Pakistan’s official capital and hosts key government institutions.

Brazil: Rio de Janeiro to Brasilia (1960)

In 1960, Brazil inaugurated its purpose-built capital city, Brasilia, shifting the political center from Rio de Janeiro. This move aimed to promote development in the interior of the country and reduce the concentration of power in coastal cities. Brasilia is renowned for its modernist architecture and urban planning.

Kazakhstan: Almaty to Astana (1997)

Kazakhstan moved its capital from Almaty to Astana in 1997. The decision aimed to reduce the economic and political dominance of Almaty and promote development in the northern part of the country. In 2019, Astana was renamed Nur-Sultan in honor of Nursultan Nazarbayev, Kazakhstan’s first president.

Tanzania: Dar es Salaam to Dodoma (1996)

Tanzania’s decision to move its capital from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma in 1996 was driven by the desire for a more centrally located capital. Dodoma’s strategic location in the heart of Tanzania has since made it the political capital, while Dar es Salaam remains the economic hub of the country.

Ivory Coast: Abidjan to Yamoussoukro (1983)

Ivory Coast made a symbolic move of its capital from Abidjan to Yamoussoukro in 1983. Although Abidjan remains the economic capital, Yamoussoukro serves as the political capital. This decision was intended to decentralize power and foster unity within the country.

In conclusion, the decision to move a capital city is often a complex and strategic one, influenced by political, economic, and geographical factors. These shifts can reshape a nation’s identity and have a lasting impact on its development. As we’ve seen, countries like Nigeria, Myanmar, Russia, Pakistan, Brazil, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, and Ivory Coast have all made significant changes in their capital cities, each with its unique rationale and outcomes.